Office Online Server Licensing Requirements for Microsoft 365 GCC
Question details
Understanding whether Office Online Server is included with Microsoft 365 Apps for GCC and Office 365 G1 GCC, and how to properly license it for an organization.
- Product
- Office Online Server
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An organization wants to host web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote on their own on-premises servers using Office Online Server.
- Observed behavior
- Office Online Server is treated as a separate product and is not automatically included with Microsoft 365 or Office 365 GCC cloud subscriptions.
Ensure you have access to your organization's Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Microsoft 365 Admin Center to check current active licenses and suite details.
Review Current Licensing Terms and Obtain Applicable Volume Licenses
Verify your current subscription details with a licensing partner and purchase separate volume licenses if Office Online Server is not covered.
Office Online Server (OOS) is a dedicated on-premises server product designed to host web versions of Microsoft Office applications. It is typically included with specific volume-licensing suites, such as Office Professional Plus or Office Standard, rather than cloud-based Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscriptions.
Reach out to your authorized Microsoft Licensing Partner or internal IT administrator to review your organization's current enterprise agreements.
Log into the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) to verify if products like Office Professional Plus are included in your active agreement.
If Office Online Server is not covered by your existing GCC licenses, inquire about obtaining the specific volume licenses required to host it.
Utilize Native Cloud-Based Office Integration
If obtaining on-premises server licenses is too complex, leverage the native Microsoft 365 cloud features included in your current subscription.
Looking for a Simpler Solution? Try WPS Office
Avoid complex volume licensing requirements and expensive server setups. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and robust suite for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, with seamless compatibility for your team.
- 1. Visit the official site: Go to the official WPS Office website on your computer.
- 2. Download the software: Click the Free Download button to get the latest installation package.
- 3. Install and launch: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to start using your new office suite immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Office Online Server included in Office 365 G1 GCC?
No, Office Online Server is an on-premises server product and is not automatically included with Microsoft 365 or Office 365 cloud subscriptions, including G1 GCC.
Which Office suites include Office Online Server rights?
Typically, Office Online Server rights are included with volume-licensing editions of Office, such as Office Professional Plus and Office Standard. It is recommended to verify these entitlements with your licensing partner.
Can I run Office web apps without installing Office Online Server?
Yes. If you have an active Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription, you can access cloud-hosted Office on the web applications directly through the Microsoft 365 portal without needing to host the server environment yourself.
